State awards $14,200 to Albert Township for improving access

MONTMORENCY COUNTY — Albert Township has received $14,200 in funds from the “Improving Access for All” program, awarded through the Michigan Secretary of State’s office.

This program reimburses communities for improvements to their election polling facilities that make them more accessible to those with disabilities.

Nearly $800,000 has been awarded to 100 communities since Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land unveiled the program in 2005. The improvement to Albert Township’s polling place included a doublewide curb cut with two handicap van accessible parking spaces, new electronic doors and a smooth entrance threshold.

When queried whether the improvements helped in the Nov. 3 election, Township Supervisor Judy Green stated she was sure that they would help in future elections, but it was hard to tell about this one.

“This election had a very low turnout. Many of our voters had already left for the winter and sent in absentee ballots. I’m sure it will help in elections that draw more people.”

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Communities are assisted in surveying their polling place accessibility needs by volunteers from the Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service (MPAS).

In a recent press release, Tom Masseau, MPAS government and media relations director, stated, “The removal of physical barriers is essential to ensuring that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process.”

The “Help America Vote Act” provides funding to the states for accessibility renovations to ensure they meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is funneled to the states through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Communities then apply to their Secretary of State after assessing the needs of their polling place.

For more information on the program, visit www.Michigan.gov/sos. Click on “Election in Michigan” and “Information for Election Administrators.”